Follow UsDaryl Mitchell was happy that he was able to contribute to New Zealand's big total despite falling short of a maiden double century in the second Test against England on Saturday. After beginning day two of the Test at Trent Bridge at 81, Mitchell went on to score 190 as the visitors posted a total of 553.
Mitchell returned as the final wicket when he edged Matthew Potts for a keeper catch.
"To be honest, a double-hundred personally doesn't mean a hell of a lot, it was just nice to contribute to a score that can help win us a Test match," Mitchell said in the press conference at the end of the play.
Besides adding 236 runs for the fifth wicket with Tom Blundell (106), Mitchell also added 33 for the final wicket with Trent Boult who smacked four boundaries in his 16 not out.
"Anything over a hundred's pretty good, so I was just trying to do a good job for the team, and it's always good fun batting with Boulty at the end there, he always provides a bit of entertainment," Mitchell said.
After receiving a reprieve from Joe Root in the slips when he was 104, Mitchell spilled a catch himself during England's innings when Alex Lees was on 12. Mitchell was not too bothered by it.
"I think that's the nature of the game, anyone who's played cricket has dropped a catch in their life. For me, I can't control what happens now but it's just concentrating on the next one and taking the next one," he said.
Mitchell was tested by England pacers with a barrage of short balls, but it did nothing to deter the right hander.
"That's the wonders of Test cricket, and that's why we love the game, it's the little games within a game. It was cool to get through a couple of those moments and do a job, and nice for us to get a big total on the board that allows us to be aggressive with the ball," he said.
England ended day two at 90/1 with Ollie Pope (51 not out) and Alex Lees (34 not out) at the crease.